The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed another suit for employment discrimination which could end up costing the employer hundreds of thousands of dollars. The suit filed by the EEOC against Chesapeake Health System is on behalf of a former employee who claims disability discrimination and retaliation when she sought federal relief.

The civil suit alleges the health care company "failed to provide a reasonable accommodation, fired, and later refused to rehire a pulmonary function technologist because of her disability and in retaliation for her requesting an accommodation and complaining about discrimination," according to a news release issued Friday by the EEOC.

The former employee, Deborah Ropiski was:

A long-time employee

Sought transfers which were denied

Sought a rehire for a vacant position which was denied

Had consistent positive performance reports

Received positive patient feedback

And given the former employee’s efforts, the outcome of the lawsuit may turn in her favor.

Employment discrimination carries serious penalties

Under anti-discrimination laws, an employer who is found liable for employment discrimination can be made to pay damages and provide injunctive relief to the injured party and penalties may include:

Back pay (compensation for lost wages due to discrimination)

Front pay (money to compensate the employee for future wages)

Injunctive relief (reinstatement or promotion)

Court costs, and legal fees

Out of pocket costs

Depending on the case, the plaintiff may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering as well as punitive damages.

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